Plugging a
patch cord into one of the normalling jacks will break the normal
switch connections, allowing the user to reroute the signal path
through the patch cord. When the patch cord is unplugged from
the jack, the normal path is restored. Normal paths may be installed
all at once or may be field-configured as the equipment changes.
Grounding
Options
We can also
meet your grounding requirements in a number of different ways:
Grounds
Not Bussed (N). All jacks are isolated and each independent
ground is brought out to rear termination.
Grounds
Bussed (B). All jacks are bussed together, making a common
ground. This common ground is then routed to a binding post at
the rear of the panel.
Grounds
Vertically Strapped (GVS). The grounds of each vertical jack-pair
are connected. Horizontally, the grounds of these vertical jack-pairings
are still isolated. This allows the user to maintain a solid ground
path from source to destination for each vertical pair of jacks.
Grounded
to Specific Application. If you need one row bussed and the
other not, or have another method you need implemented, we will
accommodate to meet your requirements. Consult our factory.
Sleeve
Normalling
Patchbays
with sleeve-normalling jacks are more essential these days, due
to increased use of condenser microphones (which require a constant
power supply). These microphones receive their required DC Power
supply through the balanced audio signal lines and the ground
line of the microphone cord. Voltage is applied to both the hot(+)
and cold(-) wires, and is returned to the power supply by the
shield (ground) wire. This method of supplying power to a microphone
is known as phantom power
In a typical
normalled patchbay, only Tip and Ring normals are needed for a
normal path (see p. 6), and the sleeves are either bussed or ignored.
When making a connection requiring phantom power through a normalled
patchbay, you need to provide that channel with a discrete, normalled
ground path as well. During unpatched operation, you have to normal
the sleeve of the source to the sleeve of the destination jack
to maintain a complete power circuit, since the sleeve returns
the DC voltage to the power supply. When patched, all three normal
contacts must be broken to avoid directing that channel’s
phantom power to multiple sources.